What you'll learn
Step 1 is the first milestone in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) journey. It focuses on assessing your understanding of basic medical sciences, such as:
- Anatomy: Structure and function of the human body.
- Biochemistry: Cellular and molecular mechanisms.
- Physiology: Body functions and regulatory processes.
- Pathology: Mechanisms of disease and its effects on the body.
- Microbiology: Understanding microorganisms and infections.
- Pharmacology: Drug actions and interactions.
- Behavioral Sciences: Psychological and social factors in medicine.
This exam is primarily multiple-choice questions, requiring you to apply theoretical knowledge to clinical scenarios. A high Step 1 score is critical for securing competitive residency programs.
Course Format:
- Focuses on basic medical sciences, including:
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Emphasizes the application of knowledge in clinical settings.
- Contains approximately 280 multiple-choice questions split over seven 1-hour blocks in a single day.